How to decorate an arch in an apartment. Making an arch in an apartment with your own hands with a photo

Unlike the usual interior doors, drywall arches look solemn, visually raise the ceilings and expand the space of the apartment. The plasticity of this building material allows you to cut out oval reliefs and all kinds of smooth curves from it, which complement the interior so beautifully. A variety of plasterboard arches, their features and design functions will be discussed later in the article.

Features of drywall arches in the interior

Plasterboard arches are three-dimensional structures that decorate the openings between rooms in private houses, apartments, cafes, galleries, theaters, educational institutions and temples. They can be of different diameters, narrow or occupying almost the entire wall, simple or unusual shapes.

The basis of the arch is a metal frame to which a curved drywall is attached. To give the material a shape, factory processing is used (production of arched blanks of the GKLA brand), as well as dry and wet bending of initially even sheets. In the first case, cuts are made, in the second, drywall is impregnated with water, bent and dried under pressure in this form.

The positive aspects of drywall arches are their aesthetics, ease of installation and low cost (compared to concrete, brick, wood). Among the shortcomings can be noted low resistance to moisture. In some cases, the disadvantage may be that the arched opening in the wall remains open, which means that drafts, extraneous sounds, smells, and light will penetrate through it.

What are the forms

Reminiscent of ancient temples and Renaissance palaces, vaulted passages add loftiness to the interior. They are great for visual zoning of hallways, corridors, landings, living rooms, reception rooms. A large number of geometric shapes that can be given to drywall provides an opportunity to choose the perfect option for any type of interior.

Round arches made of drywall

Round and semicircular arches will harmoniously complement the classical, Greek, Byzantine, and Victorian style. They should be decorated with plaster moldings, gold or silver ornaments, and make the side parts in the form of columns. Finishing should be plain, white or a color very close to it.

Rectangular plasterboard arches

Such portals are very similar to doorways. It is a good choice for a minimalist and modern interior. They can be part of partitions with shelves located on the sides, and if necessary, even closed with sliding screens.

Elliptical drywall arches

Plasterboard arches, the upper part of which is made in the form of half a horizontal ellipse, are suitable for rooms with low ceilings (from 2.5 m). They successfully fit into such styles as modern, provence, loft, country - you just need to find the appropriate frame.

Arabic / Oriental drywall arches

The eastern openings look like pointed domes. This type of arches is typical for India, Turkey and all Muslim countries. As an addition, jagged and wavy reliefs, complex miniature patterns of saturated colors are possible.

Trapezoidal plasterboard arches

Arches with geometric angles look good surrounded by wood and stone, because these materials do not allow smooth bends. They are especially good for country houses, offices, pubs and libraries.

Figured plasterboard arches

Fantasy soft reliefs can be the highlight of the interior, made in a futuristic, romantic or playful style. By the way, a drywall arch can not only decorate an opening in the wall, but also serve as a decorative frame around a niche.

Finishing plasterboard arches

After giving the drywall arch the desired shape, applying the base putty and primer, its appearance can be significantly improved with the help of decor. There are a great variety of finishes, and among them you can choose any that suits the price and aesthetic qualities.

Painting

Alkyd enamel will help to achieve a glossy effect, and water-based and water-dispersion compositions will provide a matte surface.

painting

To apply drawings on the arch, you can use stencils, and if you have artistic talent, you can make them by hand. Techniques and materials in this case are limited only by the imagination of the master.

Stucco and PVC decor

Stucco molding, as well as inexpensive polystyrene products in the form of all kinds of shapes and lace, will help to instantly decorate any arch. Due to their low weight, they are easily glued to the plasterboard base.

Wallpaper

Wallpapering is one of the most affordable ways to finish arched structures. It will only take more skill and accuracy than on flat walls - so that no seams are visible.

Decorative rock

Natural or artificial stone will perfectly frame the opening, giving the interior a luxurious and complete look.

wood veneer

The unique pattern of a cut of expensive tree species on a drywall arch will make a simple interior an elite one with minimal financial costs.

Stained glass, glass, mirrors

Decorative cutouts can be filled with translucent or reflective inserts. This design looks elegant and creates a beautiful play of rays.

How to make a drywall arch with your own hands

To perform the installation of the arch, you will need the appropriate materials:

- drywall (it is better for beginners to choose an already curved arched one (GKLA);
- metal or wooden profiles, plywood;
- self-tapping screws, dowels;
- putty, primer.

Of the tools, you should prepare measuring instruments (carpenter's square, tape measure), a large compass, a pencil, a drywall knife, scissors for cutting metal, a screwdriver, fine-grained sandpaper for polishing edges, a spatula, personal protective equipment.

Stages of work

1) Design. Based on the parameters of the room, the design idea, it is necessary to accurately determine the dimensions and relief of the future structure.

2) Calculation of materials. It is better to take more drywall and consumables than required. So in case of accidental damage, it will be possible to safely continue installation.

3) Cutting and fixing profiles. As a result, you should get a kind of frame that fits in width. They must first be attached to the concrete wall with dowels, and then fixed with self-tapping screws. The optimal distance between the screws is 10-15 cm.

4) Cutting drywall blanks, giving them a curved shape. You can clearly see this process in the video.

5) Frame sheathing. The diameter and length of the screws should be selected depending on the thickness of the sheets. Their caps after screwing should be flush with drywall, so as not to create unnecessary irregularities.

6) Strengthening the structure. To do this, a curved metal profile is attached to the outer edges of the arch.

7) Alignment. At this stage, you need to smooth out the roughness, putty the surface and prepare it for finishing.

Design of drywall arches - photo

Our gallery presents the most interesting and striking examples of how plasterboard arches can look in the interior. For convenience, they are grouped into different types of premises. After looking at the pictures, you will certainly find inspiring design options for yourself!

Drywall arches in the living room

Plasterboard arches in the hallway / hallway

The arch is an opportunity to abandon significant interior elements to free up usable space. In addition to saving residential meters, such a solution will ensure the freedom of circulation of fresh air and the visibility of the home. The arch allows you to visually effectively zone the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe dwelling, while combining the rooms together, which is important, for example, for a balcony and a room with access to it. If the transition from one room to another resembles a niche, or you need to arrange a doorway between the kitchen and the living room, in this case the arch will fit harmoniously.

Design options for doorways in the form of arches and the need for them:

Ceiling height, as an indicator of the choice of the type of arch:

The design style also affects the choice of arch type:

• The classics are characterized by elliptical, three-center and semicircular arches. Moreover, their feature is absolute symmetry. An effective option for organizing an arch with vertical slopes in the form of semi-columns;
  
• Empire and Baroque styles are characterized by similar symmetry, but they abound with decorative elements of polyurethane stucco, gilding and plaster bas-reliefs at the top of the arch;
• The oriental style is characterized by bizarre and intricate forms of arches, in particular lancet and keeled ones;
  
• Curvilinear arches are characteristic of modern styles. In techno and high-tech styles, the strictness of geometric shapes prevails, while for pop art and modern style, uninhibited and unexpected forms are inherent. Here, decoration with decorative spotlights can also be used, creating the effect of a “light curtain”.

The stained-glass arch looks spectacular, mostly of a curvilinear type, where most of it is occupied by a stained-glass window, which is important when combining a kitchen and a living room, or the latter and a balcony. Romantic style is restrained in forms and materials used. The arches are reproduced in a symmetrical circular or flat shape, which gives a static and light design in combination with building materials in rich colors.

The peculiarity of the arched opening is their non-standard appearance and originality of the design solution. The geometric shape of the arches and their design with a variety of materials can be absolutely any.

Ways to design an arched opening

The most common and inexpensive finishing material for an arched opening are plastic panels. The imitation of the wood structure and color will emphasize the severity and clarity of the lines and create a contrast with the wallpaper of a lighter or darker tone, or painted walls, contrasting door panels and plastic panels. So it is possible to visually increase the height, expand the opening and raise a little ceiling. In addition, plastic panels are practical. They are attached to liquid nails on a cleaned surface.

Polyurethane stucco resembles gypsum and is a common finishing material for decorating an arch, and is lighter in weight. Its light stickiness to absolutely any surface is its main advantage. In small-sized rooms, the main rule is not to overload it, for which flat stucco elements without massive relief are used. In a room with high ceilings, stucco is used as an arched door element or as pilasters on the sides. Subsequently, the white color of the stucco molding can be given any color shade.

Decorative stone as a cladding looks stylish and expensive. Its advantages are durability, wear resistance, practicality and easy maintenance. Therefore, his choice is often obvious, despite the high cost and laboriousness of the work. Artificial decorative stone is made in a variety of colors with the addition of shells or marble pieces to its structure. Facing is carried out with small decorative stones located around the perimeter of the arch, creating a smooth edging. By not cutting the stone and laying it out in a natural order, "torn" edges of the original style are created. The color of the stone is chosen according to the color scheme of the room. For the adhesion of the stone, its careful preparation is required. To do this, the wall is well cleaned and treated with a primer.

Clinker tiles can be laid around the arch. For greater effect, the clinker is laid by analogy with a brick. Finishing can be done not only from the inside of windows and doors, clinker tiles are also used for exterior facade decoration.

Decorating the corners of the doorway

To finish the corners of the arch, a durable and resistant material is chosen, which should harmoniously fit into the overall interior of the room. Among the huge variety of materials, artificial stone should be distinguished, which is distinguished by its reliability and excellent appearance, and at the same time its high cost, and wood, which allows you to create the necessary patterns and decorative elements, but is not suitable for a plasterboard arch.

You can limit yourself to the most affordable solution to the issue of corner design - ordinary painting or wallpapering. All this can be done independently. But the result largely depends on the quality of the paint or wallpaper and their color scheme.

The corners of the arch are its most vulnerable places. When using rigid facing materials, it is not necessary to use special arched corners for protection. Otherwise, it is the corners that will protect this architectural structure from mechanical damage and preserve the aesthetics of its appearance. The modern market offers many arched plastic corners of various widths, but the most convenient size is 1 by 2 cm.

Decoration of arches with curtains

Fabric curtains are an affordable way to decorate an arched opening, which is diverse. Choosing the right fabric and its texture, the curtains will complement any interior. At the same time, the choice of curtains as a decor requires stylistic unity, so they are selected in the same way as window curtains. But absolutely any compositional solution is allowed - with draperies and a lambrequin or in a restrained oriental style. Bamboo curtains

Filament curtains - an interlacing of plaits with the top fastening in one tape. Their classic design involves making them only from fabric cords, but modern options include glass figurines and beads, seashells and pebbles strung on tows.

Installation of lamps under the arch

Built-in spotlights are a great style element for a plasterboard arched structure. Inside such an arch there is a space that allows you to embed lamps in the right places. Such a lighting solution, due to the direction of the light beam, illuminates only the arched opening itself, depriving the room itself, which brings certain conveniences at night.

LEDs, made in the form of a thin flexible cord, contribute to the creation of the effect of a luminous dotted line of various color shades. It is worth noting that a transformer is often required to create such a design. Installation of fixtures involves paying attention to the following features:

Do-it-yourself decorative decoration of arches in an apartment: types and design options, how unusual it is to decorate the interior of a square arched opening with a beautiful stone, stucco or mosaic, all sorts of creative tricks, how to decorate corners, installing lamps, decorating with curtains, finishing material, photo

Finishing the arch is the final stage, which will emphasize the beauty of the structure. It should be noted that this particular work is the most important when it comes to the decorative component. Don't worry - you can do everything yourself. The main thing is to show the necessary perseverance and desire. Of course, one cannot do without some experience and the availability of the necessary tools, which are selected depending on the chosen finishing option.

Making an arch in an apartment is a process that is carried out after the completion of the main work. The fact is that such structures are made from various materials, according to various technologies. The resulting architectural element serves to decorate the entire interior, giving it some individuality. We must not forget that the cladding can play not only a decorative role, but also perform a protective function.

A few tips to help you achieve the desired effect:

1. The easiest way to finish the arch in the apartment with your own hands is to highlight the arched opening with the right color. Often, shades are selected that will contrast with the walls. Thus, it is possible to obtain a complete structure with a minimum of effort. This method can be used for other materials as well.
2. Decorating material can be matched to existing colors. For example, if the facing of interior arches is done with MDF panels, then it is desirable to combine them with closely spaced door leafs.
3. You can decorate the design with the help of various embossing, patterned ribbons that correspond to the general direction of the design.
4. Now stucco is becoming more and more popular. Indeed, this is a great option that allows you to emphasize the interior, decorated in a classic style.
5. The mosaic looks quite peculiar. Its use requires experience in laying. But if everything is done flawlessly, then the effect will be amazing.

Mosaic arch decoration - an unusual solution that deserves attention

Selection and use of materials

How can you finish the arch? Currently, there are many materials that perfectly cope with the task. We can highlight the most popular, deserving special attention:

• Natural and artificial stone. It should be borne in mind that the first type requires more professionalism.
• Cork. Completely natural and eco-friendly product. The price can be a major downside.
• Decorative plaster. This option allows you to finish the surface so that the impression of natural stone will be formed.
• Various types of tiles. They are similar in laying technology to stone, but give the interior a completely different look.
• Textile. This material requires a special approach to eliminate banality and simplicity.

Of course, there are much more products for decorating arches. With a certain desire, completely unusual options can be used. So, for example, the design looks quite original, which is lined with fitted log cuts. Technologically, this solution is very simple. The blanks are cut to the desired size. On the one hand, a drank is carried out, which will serve as a groove for the edge of the opening. Such logs are inserted into place, fixing on self-tapping screws.

Wallpaper - simple and affordable

Indeed, this is one of the easiest ways that allows you to complete the entire process in a short time. The main thing is that the costs will be minimal.

Wallpapering is the easiest and most inexpensive way to finish an arched opening.

The whole process is very simple:

1. If required, then before pasting the arch with wallpaper, the surface is leveled.
   

   On a note! Before finishing the drywall arch, a layer of putty is applied to its surface. This is necessary so that in case of a desire to update the finish, the wallpaper does not have to be removed along with the cardboard.

2. After waiting for the applied composition to dry, the glue is prepared. It is kneaded according to the available manufacturer's instructions.
3. The wallpaper is cut into strips of the desired length. The sticker is carried out strictly vertically, capturing part of the opening. You should get a bend equal to 3-4 cm.
4. To bend the allowance, but avoid wrinkles, cut the edge into corners.
5. Now the most painstaking part of the work is to cut a strip that will be glued to an arcuate surface. This must be done so that the existing pattern matches. This area is smoothed from top to bottom. That is, gluing is performed at the highest point, after which the fragment descends to the bottom.

Although there are some negative factors to consider:

• It is necessary to decorate taking into account the fact that such material is very short-lived. After some time, the surface may acquire yellowish tints. The feeling of novelty will disappear.
• The use of wallpaper is limited to the location of the opening. They are not recommended for use for structures that are located in the kitchen area. Even washable species will not save the situation.
• Lack of protective features. Such a coating is very easy to damage, and from minimal mechanical impact.

Of course, it cannot be said that this method allows you to decorate the arch. But, of course, it is suitable for many situations that require the most simple and inexpensive work to be done.

Stucco - spectacular and elegant

To get a spectacular arch that attracts the eye, polyurethane stucco molding is used. This is a modern version of the product, which was previously made exclusively from gypsum. It is actively used to frame various designs.

Arch decoration with polyurethane stucco - an affordable solution with a stunning effect

This option has its own characteristics. The fact is that the finishing material is more suitable for classic interiors. If you use a polyurethane arch in a modern style, then such details may seem completely out of place.

Installation is carried out according to the following technology:

1. Surfaces are leveled. All areas are well cleaned.
2. All dust is removed. If you leave such flaws, then gluing will be unreliable.
3. The treated surface must dry well. This period is used to perform markup. You may need trimming parts.
   

   On a note! To perform trimming at an angle of 45 degrees, a miter box is used. It is important to correctly place the elements in order to avoid the appearance of docking slots.

4. Now you can start gluing. For this, a special composition is used, which is marked: “suitable for gluing polyurethane products”. This substance is applied to the wrong side of the part, which is pressed against the surface and held. If docking is performed, then the glue is smeared on one side. It is important to remove excess immediately. The seams are treated with putty and polished.



When finishing the arch with polyurethane, it must be borne in mind that all work must be carried out with extreme care. Any defects will be very difficult to correct.

Decorative plaster - time-tested

Finishing arched openings can also be done using decorative plaster. This method has its positive aspects. This is one of the few options that allows you to get an extremely individual surface that will be durable.

Some shortcomings cannot be ruled out. Thus, the coating is very difficult to restore if damaged. If the result of the work is a relief surface, then it must be constantly looked after.




On a note! It is very easy to arrange an arch in an apartment with your own hands if you use special decorative mixtures. They have a long setting time, which allows you to form the necessary texture so as to achieve the desired result.

The order of work is as follows:

• Finishing arches begins with preparing the right amount of mixture. Further, it is transferred to a prepared, well-primed surface. It is important to consider that each layer must have a certain thickness. Their number depends on the chosen decorative type.
• To form a relief much faster, special rollers are used.
• The resulting relief is left to dry. Then covered with a primer.

Now the trimmed area can be painted. To get an interesting effect, two shades of paint are applied to the surface. One fills the cavities, the other - the protrusions.

Stone - reliable and original

Stone is a great solution that will help create your own zest in the interior. It is important to consider that it is better to give preference to artificial options. They are much easier to process, and also do not require professional knowledge. The material that follows the curves of the structure looks best. In this case, an arc.

Making an arched opening with a decorative stone is a stylish solution for modern interiors

Actions are performed in the following order:

1. Finishing the arch with your own hands begins with the fact that they prepare the coating. It is important to exclude any drops and defects.
2. A laying plan is being drawn up. Marking is done on the surface. Nearby, on the floor, material is laid out. This technology will allow you to immediately fit some elements, distribute them more correctly, and also avoid mistakes.
3. The stone is laid on glue or a special mixture. The technology allows you to create wide joints or do everything without seams.
4. If trimming is performed, then the cut edges must be processed.

The same technology is used when the question arises of how to finish the arch in the apartment with tiles. But it should be borne in mind that this material requires compliance with a certain sequence. If the stone can be laid "arbitrarily", then the tile is clear.

Plastic - modern and affordable

Plastic is pretty easy to work with. It is important to understand that not all panels can be bent to the desired angle. Many, especially cheap ones, break down quickly. It is much easier to line an arched opening with plastic panels when it has an angular arch.

The following manipulations are performed:

• Careful surface preparation can be avoided. It is important to understand that often, panels are used in order to form an opening completely. That is, they act as the main and decorative elements of the structure.
• A wooden crate is created. It will serve as the foundation around which everything else is built. The slats are laid perpendicular to the panels.
• The arched dome is formed by dividing it into sectors. Often, the division occurs into three parts: top, two extreme fragments.
• The panels are fixed on brackets, which are clogged with a stapler along the edges. All joints and transitions hide decorative corners.

Self-plating the arch with plastic will not cause any particular difficulties.

How to decorate such a surface additionally? To do this, you can use various decorative elements that will be in harmony with the plastic.

On a note! It is not difficult to line the arch with plastic with your own hands. The main thing is not to choose the cheapest materials.

Cork - eco-friendly and stylish

This is a fairly popular destination, which is limited only by the fact that this option can be very expensive. This state of affairs is explained by the fact that cork is a completely natural material.

Cork trim will create warmth and comfort and will not harm your health

For work, it is advisable to use roll options. They are great for doing all the work yourself. It is important to consider that before you decorate the arch located next to the kitchen with cork material, it must be waxed. This will prevent damage to the coating.

Of course, decorating the arches in an apartment with cork is a great solution, but you need to remember that the overall interior design must be maintained.

It must be borne in mind that all finishing work must be carried out in strict observance of the existing rules. Then such an architectural element will become a real decoration.

Finishing options for arched openings (20 photos)

At the moment, due to the abundance of finishing materials, the question arises of how to finish the arch. There are many options for such an unusual design.

Materials that are used to decorate the arch

Before you choose how you can finish the arch in the apartment, you need to determine what it is made of.

Let's consider this option in more detail:

• At the moment, a common option for the manufacture of arches is drywall.
• For this, a special type of it is used - arched GLK.
• It has a perforated surface.

Note. If you need to give the material a certain shape, then it is moistened with water and placed on some object for a while. It bends and dries out.

• It is attached to a pre-built profile metal frame.
• Sheets are mounted on it with self-tapping screws.

Advice. Do not overtighten the screws so that the gypsum dough that is between the sheets of pressed cardboard is not damaged. It is rather fragile.

The arch is divided into ends and corners. These two components can be designed in the same way or in different ways. It all depends on the interior design (see Decorative arches).

How to finish the arch in the apartment:

• Wallpaper.
• Artificial stone (see Wood arch decoration, classic interior).
• Decorative plaster.
• Simple coloration.

Advice. To make the arch look original, various decorative lighting fixtures are often placed in it.

To do this, electrical wiring is initially laid so that the arch can be switched on and off autonomously.

Wallpaper in the design of the arch

To date, there is a huge selection of wallpapers of this material that are suitable for decorating an arched opening (see Decorating an arch with mosaics, design options).

Wallpaper can be:

• Paper.
• Non-woven.
• Vinyl.

• Silkscreen.
• waterproof and others.

All of them look original on any surface, they only have their own specific service life and surface care methods.

Note. Pasting the arch with wallpaper is an economical option. Especially if simple paper wallpapers are used for this.

To glue the arch you will need:

• Special glue that matches the type of wallpaper.
• Foam roller for leveling the surface.
• A simple pencil and ruler for cutting out sizes on a roll.

• Dry rags to wipe off excess adhesive so that it does not stain the finished surface.
• Scissors for cutting the roll.
• A clerical knife, if necessary, to align the edges of the wallpaper at the corners of the arch.

Advice. To make the wallpaper look original, thin foam plinths are often used on the surface of the arch to decorate them. They are glued to dry wallpaper at the end of the finish with liquid nails or white sealant.

Work process:

• If the arch is made of drywall, then there is no need to level the surface.
• It is only necessary to process the joints of the sheets with putty if necessary.

• It is worth priming the arch so that there is good adhesion of the glue to the surface.
• A certain size of a piece is cut out of a roll of wallpaper and smeared with glue on the back side.

Note. There are wallpapers that, after gaining moisture, are able to expand in size. This must be taken into account at work.

• Wallpaper with glue should lie down a bit. Let the glue soak in.
• For greater certainty, the surface of the arch is smeared.
• After that, the wallpaper is attached to the arch and glued well with a dry rag.

• Then they pass through them with a foam roller, which is able to qualitatively get rid of air bubbles.

Advice. You can choose for the arch not only light shades of such material. The arch with flowers and other drawings looks quite original.

If you can use the services of repairmen to finish the arch with other materials, then the wallpaper is easily glued to the surface with your own hands. You just need to glue the joints well.

Note. For high-quality gluing of joints, a cash tape is used, which is pre-glued to the surface. It holds the edges of the roll on itself.

How to decorate an arch with ordinary paint?

How to finish a drywall arch? Quite often, the most common paint is used for this:

• At the moment there is a large assortment of this finishing agent.
• There are a variety of shades, and you can use not only standard light colors for the arch.
• Paint is applied only on the prepared surface.

Advice. If the arch is made of drywall, then it is covered with a thin layer of plaster and then primed.

Using paint is the easiest and fastest way to finish a structure.

For work you will need:

• Paint of a certain shade.
• Brushes and rollers with natural bristles.

Note. For painting any surface, it is best to use a brush and roller only with natural bristles. They are able to distribute the paint evenly on the surface.

It is also worth considering that the price for this type of cladding is affordable. Most often, a water-based emulsion is used for work.

Artificial stone in the decoration of the arched structure

How to finish the corners of the arch? Quite often, decorative stone is used for such work:

• It is made from acrylic or other materials.
• The stone does not have a large mass and is quite easy to install.

• It is moisture resistant and practical, does not require special care for its surface.
• If the arch is made with paint or plaster, then finishing its corners with artificial stone will add uniqueness.

Fix the stone with:

• Adhesive for decorative stone, which has a white color.
• spatulas.
• level if necessary.
• Tile cutter to give the stone the size you need.

Advice. To finish the corners of the arch, it is worth using thin tiles of artificial stone.

Decorative plaster for the arch

Decorative plaster is a great option than finishing the ends of the arches.

• It is necessary to apply its layer only on the plastered surface.
• Also, the surface must be level.

At the moment there is a wide range. Decorative plaster can be with threads and sparkles, natural and artificial stone.

To apply it to the surface you will need:

• Two spatulas (large and small).
• Building level for a smooth surface finish.

Advice. There is a special instruction for mixing a solution of decorative plaster. Dry powder is poured into the container, into which a certain amount of liquid is poured with stirring.

Work process:

• Immediately apply a small layer of plaster.
• Give it some time to dry.

Note. The layers of such a product on the surface must be transparent, so that as a result of applying several layers, a uniform shade is obtained.

• Subsequent layers are then applied.
• Sandpaper is not required in the work, as it can damage the surface of decorative plaster (see Finishing the arch with a cork).

The arch turns out to be of an unusual color with various inclusions. You can combine plaster with decorative stone. This design design looks no less original. Watch a video on how to arrange an arch.

A very topical issue for both apartment owners and owners of a private house is how to design an arch so that it looks stylish and fits organically into the interior of the room. Such a design option for a doorway as an arch is very popular and is used to delimit space in the kitchen, hallway, living room, balcony, etc. The shape and configuration of the structure can be completely different: from a classic portal to complex intricate models. Various decoration methods can also be used, we will consider them in more detail.

There are many ways to decorate an arch in an apartment.

Painting

One of the most common and affordable methods for decorating an arched opening in an apartment is its plastering with further painting. This method is great for modern interior styles, as well as trendy and classic. There are several design options available here. In this case, one should take into account the possibility of selecting the very base for painting, that is, plaster. It can be one of the following options:

• standard smooth finishing putty;
• creation of relief on the surface;
• the use of special textured plaster;
• application of an already pigmented composition.

For living rooms it is better to use smooth plaster, and the corridor and balcony can be beaten with textured mixtures.

Plastering for painting - the most common and simple option for finishing the arch

In order to look neat, it is initially necessary to align its contours. To do this, use putty, drywall and corners. Joints and cracks are best repaired using sickle. At the corners, you need to fix the corner profile so that the contours are even and clear.

Before painting, it is important to clean the surface in order to achieve a perfectly smooth base. The paint is usually applied with a roller. If you decide to decorate the arch with relief elements, it is better to immediately apply a decorative mixture with pigments. Otherwise, you can use a spray gun or perform uneven decorative painting of the opening. In the future, it will be possible to install additional lining in the opening or hang curtains.

Tile and stone

Another popular way to decorate the arch is the use of facing materials. Tiles imitating natural stone or brickwork are in particular demand. You can also use standard tiles or mosaics, depending on the style of the interior.

A huge plus of this method of decorating the arch in the apartment is the ability to fit the opening into completely different styles. Artificial stone can be combined with various materials, such as plaster, wallpaper or paint. The layout order is selected individually. Most often, this is an arbitrary arrangement of elements along the perimeter of the arch opening.

For finishing in such cases, gypsum materials are mainly used. Nevertheless, clinker and porcelain stoneware are very popular. It is especially advisable to place them at the entrance to the apartment or on the balcony, as these materials are more durable and wear-resistant. This finish can imitate completely different materials:

• sandstone;
• brick;
• slate;
• limestone;
• marble;
• granite.

You can decorate the arch in the apartment with tiles or stone

In order to qualitatively tile the arch with tiles with your own hands, it is initially recommended to bring out a perfectly flat surface. It is also important to choose the right adhesive mixture. In the opening, you can apply an approximate layout of the location of the elements, especially if you are planning a non-standard masonry.

Decorative panels and moldings

The next option with which you can frame the arch is the use of special decorative panels and overlays. The most popular material in this case is MDF. This way of decor is great for a classic interior. The surface of the panels can be lined with natural or artificial veneer, as well as with a film. The latter option allows you to expand the palette of finishes, but the imitation of natural wood looks extremely advantageous even in ultra-modern design.

In order to fix the panels in the arch opening, nails without hats and glue are used. If the level is displayed from scratch, then spacers and mounting foam are needed. The principle of their installation is similar to the installation of a door frame. First you need to frame the inner space of the arch, and then close all the joints and cracks with platbands. In some cases, ready-made overlays are used, which can be fixed with one click.

Stucco molding is also used to decorate the arch in the apartment. To veneer the opening in this way with your own hands, you will need glue, for example, liquid nails. The elements are made mainly of polyurethane, they look very impressive and can give the interior a sense of grandeur and high style if done right, also suitable for romantic styles and antique variations. The form can be both simple and contain complex bent and cast elements. In the future, white moldings can be painted. The only negative is that they are easily damaged.

Stucco on the arch is not suitable for every interior

Curtains

Curtains for decorating an arched swarm are not so popular today, but are still sometimes used. It is rare to find traditional tulle and curtains here, although they can be used to mask the entrance. Curtains made of vines, wooden slats, beads, threads, bamboo, etc. are mainly used. Such curtains are easy to make with your own hands.

For fastening, cornices are used, they are hung over the opening. For round and complex designs, curtains are used less often, since the fastening will be too noticeable. However, you can find special curved cornices that will match the shape of the opening.

The most low-budget option for decorating an arch is the use of curtains

How exactly with the help of curtains to decorate the arch should be considered individually, this is largely influenced by the general style of the interior, the rooms united by the arch.

What exactly to use: plaster, curtains, tiles or panels - you decide. Before making a final decision, consider all the options available, weigh all the pros and cons, and consider possible decoration costs.